Family no longer feel safe after burglars raided home
A family say they no longer feel safe after burglars raided their home after climbing in through a hole they made in the roof while the occupants were in bed.
Newcastle Crown Court two cars belonging to the family were also taken during the overnight raid, while the residents were asleep upstairs.
Serial criminal Jordan Rafter, who has 94 convictions on his record, was spotted behind the wheel of an Audi that was stolen during the break-in and fled from police at 100mph before he crashed into a barrier and was arrested.
The 33-year-old, of no fixed address, admitted burglary of the house, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, having no insurance and failing to provide a specimen and has been locked up for three years.
Prosecutor Rachael Glover told the court the break-in, which involved an "untidy search", was discovered when the family woke up on October 31 last year.
Miss Glover said: "Entry had been gained by making a hole in the ceiling of the laundry room.
“It appears from the images it is through the roof of the laundry room, when you look at the hole it is clear they have had to gain access through the roof."
The court heard CCTV showed three men had approached the house at around 3am.It was at 9.15am Rafter was spotted behind the wheel of one of the family cars in County Durham, which he eventually crashed after speeding away from police at 100mph.
In an impact statement, one of the victims said: "This has frightened me, I am wary that someone has been in my property where me and my family were asleep and one of us could easily have been hurt.
"I no longer feel safe in my own home."
Jason Smith, defending, said Rafter had been homeless at the time, taking drugs and is "easily manipulated".
Mr Smith said while Rafter has been in custody on remand he has completed courses and wants to get back into employment.
Recorder Felicty Davies said: "Three of you broke in through the roof of the property, creating enormous damage and you then carried out an untidy search of the property, even though the family were asleep in bed upstairs."
Rafter was given a two year road ban after his release from prison, with an extended test requirement.